Statement from Immigrants Rising on USCIS Delays in Processing DACA Renewals
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: [email protected]
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (May 18, 2026) — Since 2012, DACA has opened doors for nearly one million people who grew up in the U.S. and have spent their lives contributing to our communities, economy, and future. Today, that policy, and the people and families who rely on it, are at risk due to orchestrated administrative obstruction, the violent criminalization and deportation of immigrants, and the ongoing erosion of DACA’s promised benefits. The targeting, detention, and deportation of DACA recipients and undocumented community members is unacceptable and counters the values of dignity, stability, and opportunity that our communities deserve.
“I remember what it felt like to have my entire future hanging on whether my renewal was approved on time. My ability to work, make plans, support myself, and simply breathe with some sense of stability depended on a single decision that was completely out of my control. Every day that USCIS delays processing DACA renewals, communities lose essential workers, families lose socioeconomic stability, and businesses lose employees. The federal government’s deliberate slowdown of DACA renewals through bureaucratic barriers, discretionary withholding of benefits, and detention and deportation operations is an attack on half a million people deeply rooted in this country and who have built most of their lives here,” said Dr. Iliana Perez, Executive Director of Immigrants Rising.
DACA recipients should know that they are not alone and that there is a nationwide coalition of partners advocating for solutions. We urge you to use and share these resources, including employers who may have DACA employees:
- If your renewal is taking longer than the normal processing time, understand why some renewals are taking longer and what steps you can take.
- Explore what you can do right now if you are undocumented with DACA.
- If you are an employer, learn how you can support your DACA employees.
Immigrants Rising continues to stand with DACA recipients and undocumented communities and demands accountability from the federal government. We call on USCIS to immediately process all pending DACA renewals within normal processing times. Ultimately, we call on Congress to urgently pass immigration reform that provides permanent status for all undocumented immigrants, including current and eligible DACA recipients.
With the 14th anniversary of DACA coming up this June, please participate in the following actions either as a directly-impacted individual or an ally:
- Send a letter to USCIS demanding that they address DACA delays immediately (template available!).
- Sign up to be a DACA Defender.
- Sign up for the Home is Here Campaign newsletter to receive details about an in-person mobilization in June. This mobilization will include lobby visits to push for legislative solutions, followed by a rally and press conference to elevate the voices of DACA recipients and impacted communities.
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Founded in 2006, Immigrants Rising transforms individuals and fuels broader changes. With resources and support, undocumented young people are able to get an education, pursue careers, and build a brighter future for themselves and their community. Our collective power is helping our nation edge closer to fulfilling its ideal as a land of opportunity and access for all.
